Apple Vision Pro marks the beginning of a new chapter for live NBA sports broadcasts. Starting January 9th, select Los Angeles Lakers games will be shown in Spectrum Front Row using Apple Immersive. This format combines live basketball with spatial representation, multiple camera angles, and immersive sound. The goal is not traditional television, but an immediate, live experience straight from the arena.
Spectrum and Apple have jointly released the schedule for Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive. The service will initially target Lakers fans in the regional broadcast area, but will also be available nationally and internationally through replays and highlights. Apple Vision Pro serves as the technical foundation for a storytelling format that not only broadcasts games but also makes them spatially immersive.
Start date and regional availability
The service kicks off on Friday, January 9. Starting that day, Apple Vision Pro users in the Lakers' regional broadcast area can watch select 2026 season games live on Apple Immersive. The broadcast area includes Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas. Access is available through the new Spectrum SportsNet app for Apple Vision Pro or the NBA app. Replays of full games and highlights will be offered nationwide in the U.S. and in select international markets. The first full game replay will be available starting Sunday, January 11.
Schedule of live broadcasts
The following Lakers games will be shown in Spectrum Front Row on Apple Immersive:
- Friday, January 9
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7:30 pm PT
- Thursday, February 5th
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7 pm PT
- Friday, February 20
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7 pm PT
- Thursday, March 5
Los Angeles Lakers at the Denver Nuggets
Ball Arena
7 pm PT
- Tuesday, March 10
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
8 pm PT
- Monday, March 30
Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7 pm PT
The Apple Immersive Experience in Detail
Apple Immersive puts Apple Vision Pro users right in the heart of the action. The stream is transmitted at up to 150 Mbps and is specifically produced for spatial representation. A total of seven different viewpoints are available. These include perspectives from the referee's table, from under both baskets, a high and wide view of the arena, the players' tunnel, the commentator's booth, and a movable camera directly at courtside for interviews and commentary.
The broadcast team includes Emmy-winning commentator Mark Rogondino and three-time NBA champion and former Lakers player Danny Green as analyst.
During the game, information such as the score, shot clock, game clock, and player lists are displayed as three-dimensional graphics that appear to float freely in space. Ambisonic microphones are used for the audio, realistically recreating the arena's acoustics. Sounds include the squeaking of sneakers on the court, the rustling of the net on successful shots, and the reactions of the crowd. The broadcast remains live even during timeouts, halftime, and other breaks. Features shown include player introductions before tip-off, team talks, and entertainment in the arena.
Access Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive
Within the Lakers' regional broadcast area, Spectrum internet customers and video subscribers from all providers with a package that includes Spectrum SportsNet can access live game streams. This requires the new Spectrum SportsNet app for Apple Vision Pro and authentication of an active subscription. Additionally, the NBA app, with a free NBA ID, provides access to live games, full replays, and highlights.
In all other US markets, replays of full games and highlights are available 24 hours after the final buzzer via the NBA app with a free NBA ID. Spectrum internet and TV subscribers outside the Lakers' broadcast area can also access the same content via the Spectrum SportsNet app.
Outside the US, access is tiered. In Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, live games are available via the NBA app with a free NBA ID. In Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, replays of full games and highlights can be viewed on demand 24 hours after the final buzzer.
Spectrum Front Row is not available in Apple Immersive in Canada, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Prices, equipment and technical requirements
The Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip is available starting at €3,699. The device is offered in Australia, Canada, mainland China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among other countries. Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive runs on both the Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip and the Apple Vision Pro with the M2 chip, each with visionOS 26 or later.
The Spectrum SportsNet app for Apple Vision Pro is available for free in the US. However, access to Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive requires a Spectrum Internet or Video subscription with Spectrum SportsNet. Additionally, the Spectrum TV app for iPad is also available on Vision Pro for watching classic broadcasts live or on demand.
The NBA app for Apple Vision Pro is available for free in many countries. A free NBA ID is required for Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive. An NBA League Pass is required for classic live broadcasts and on-demand content outside of the Immersive format.
Apple Vision Pro and the future of NBA games
With Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive, Apple Vision Pro demonstrates how live basketball can evolve technologically. Multiple perspectives, spatial sound, and detailed 3D graphics create a significantly more immersive picture of the game. For the Los Angeles Lakers, this format marks a new step in the presentation of NBA games, going beyond traditional broadcasts and consistently placing the live experience at the forefront. (Image: Apple)
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